New City Aims At Being ‘gay Camelot’ (Press, 21 March 1985)

In March 1985, West Hollywood, California, continues to distinguish itself as a unique and progressive municipality. The City Council recently enacted an ordinance that prohibits bars from denying entry to patrons wearing open-toed shoes, a move aimed particularly at establishments that have discriminated against men dressed in women’s clothing and lesbian patrons. This law reflects the city's broader commitment to eliminating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, West Hollywood has introduced a legal alternative to marriage through domestic partnerships, allowing couples to register their status at City Hall. Despite being less than four months old since its incorporation as Los Angeles County's eighty-fourth city, West Hollywood has made strides toward creating an inclusive environment. The city, which is largely populated by renters including a significant number of gay residents, was built on a coalition that sought to ban discrimination against homosexuals and minority groups. Mayor Valerie Terrigno, a 31-year-old openly gay official, leads the city council, which is notable for having a majority of its members identified as homosexual. This unique governance suggests that West Hollywood may be the only city in the United States with such representation. The city's demographics, with over a third of its approximately 36,000 residents identifying as gay, have played a crucial role in shaping its political landscape. Despite its celebratory beginnings, West Hollywood is now addressing practical municipal challenges like urban infrastructure and budget management. The city's first-year budget is set at $15.75 million, with strong revenue from sales tax expected to generate a surplus. The council's agenda has included enacting laws to ensure equal pay for city employees and to stop discriminatory practices, such as a restaurant being compelled to remove an anti-gay slogan from its matchbooks. Looking ahead, the City Council is preparing for a potentially contentious debate on rent control measures, prompted by rising costs that threaten to displace many residents, particularly elderly renters. Landlords have expressed concerns that such laws would compromise their investment returns. Mayor Terrigno acknowledges that these discussions could lead to conflict but views them as necessary for the welfare of the community. The city's leaders are hopeful about what they can accomplish together, as exemplified by an upcoming meeting of homosexual political activists from across the nation in West Hollywood. They aim to evaluate the achievements in the city and explore avenues for expanding their influence. The mayor emphasised that while West Hollywood is known for its gay-friendly policies, the vision for the city is one of hope and progress for everyone.

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